Ever in need of some helpful tips for adjusting your focus and tension at work? Here are some practical ideas for managing your stress in the workplace:
1. Plan ahead
Always ensure that you manage your time and have sufficient time for all your tasks. When facing a pressing deadline, a quick trick is for you to come to the office 30 minutes earlier, come back from lunch 15 minutes earlier and leave for home 30 minutes later. This automatically adds 1 hour and 15 minutes to your work day!
2. Soothe your senses with music
It has been scientifically proven that listening to calming music has a positive effect on every aspect of your being, e.g. emotional, mental, spiritual. Classical music, especially Bach and Mozart, or any “lite” radio station, can be very relaxing. Just keep the volume down or use headset.
3. Call a friend
Sometimes, all we need is a listening ear. Seek out the help of a good friend or close loved-one when you need to de-stress. Often, just getting something off your chest will help you calm down and keep things in perspective. Ultimately, the right perspectives help keep stress levels in check!
4. Recognize how often things go right
As humans, we naturally tend to focus on the negative when things go wrong, but don’t give the same acknowledgement when things actually go our way. We need to recognize that things usually go right far more often than we realize. By keeping this mind set at work, your stress levels are guaranteed to decrease.
5. Don’t procrastinate
Imagine how less stressful your work would be if you were constantly on top of all your tasks, instead of leaving it all until the last minute. Not only would this reduce stress, but it could even create free time for you. If you feel that you are honestly pacing yourself and working as hard as you can but can’t seem to complete all your tasks, talk to your boss about lightening your load.
6. Give your eyes and mind a break
After long hours of staring at the computer screen or dealing with paper work, your eyes and mind could use a break with photos, artwork, or a plant. At regular intervals, remember to also stretch your eyes by focusing on a distant object. This creates some well needed visual relief.
7. Decorate your work space with encouraging items
Keep a family photo, inspirational quotes, or a reminder of your next vacation somewhere visible. Motivational thoughts perk you up and are great for revving up your spirits.
8. Keep your desk clutter free
The source of many types of stress comes from a feeling of being out of control or being overwhelmed and clutter causes distractions which add to stress. When you can’t find that report you need, your stress level can sky rocket. By having an organized desk, you get a sense that there is some order in all chaos.
9. Take a break
Too much work should never be an excuse to not take a break! Humans were created with limits and reaching those limits causes stress. Give yourself the time, especially when you are stressed, to relax, even for 5 minutes. Run to the bathroom, make a hot drink, go for a quick walk, then get back to more productive work.
10. Stretch
For many of us for many of us, our work days are literally spent with long periods of sitting at a desk or being stuck in a restricted work area. This lack of movement builds up tension in your muscles and can aggravate a stressful situation. Stretching is the best way of releasing any tension that has accumulated. Lift your legs up and stretch them for 30 seconds or simply just reach for the sky.